
I find myself at a loss for how to share my exciting and bittersweet news with you all, my EcoViva family. I am heading to graduate school in the fall and Friday, May 29th will be my last day as Communications and Outreach Manager at EcoViva.
Almost exactly three years ago, I boarded a plane to El Salvador. The first couple of days were a blur. I remember Giovanni and Nathan picking me up from the airport, and Giovanni talking my ear off the entire ride to the Lower Lempa. I remember meeting Gilma, my host mom, as we both shyly said hello. I remember Douglas trying to help orient me by explaining where everyone lived on a map, which I promptly forgot. I remember the excitement and the nerves that came from knowing I would live there for six months, which quickly turned into ten.

My time on the ground with our partners in El Salvador forever changed me. My days were full of Spanish, fishing cooperatives, youth programming, blogs, and photography. The Mangrove Association challenged me to give my all to my work. I learned firsthand how organized communities are the best way to get anything done, and worked with the best community organizers I have ever met.
Fast forward three years and I find myself not in El Salvador as the International Fellow, but seated at a desk in downtown Oakland as the Communications and Outreach Manager. Transitioning home proved challenging, but was made easier by the fact that I was still working every day with our partners in El Salvador and the EcoViva team. The Youth Program leaders continually inspire me, from when I worked alongside them everyday to telling their story through the Viva Fund. My work with them, in El Salvador and in Oakland, helps keeps me grounded.
The last three years have been full of joy, hard-won struggles, challenges, disappointments, trust and confidence in my colleagues and myself, and learning at every step of the way. They have been full of inspiring people on the ground, in the office, and in the wider EcoViva community.
As I transition out this week, I feel confident knowing that Jeanne Muller—former EcoViva intern and International Programs Associate— is taking my place as Communications Manager. Jeanne comes to the position with considerable knowledge about EcoViva and the Mangrove Association from her time in the Oakland office and on the ground in El Salvador, and an efficiency and drive that I admire. We are so lucky to have her on our team.
Jeanne and I have both worked closely with the Youth Program in El Salvador, so it feels right to be coordinating this year’s Viva Fund campaign together. As I transition, I’m donating to the Viva Fund to support the youth leaders in El Salvador, who Jeanne and I have learned a lot from. Join me in supporting the next generation of leaders in El Salvador.
As I get ready to leave the office tomorrow, I will continue to stay connected to the people and the work, because a social movement this powerful and relationships this strong can’t be simply left behind. They stay with you, wherever you go. As they say in El Salvador this is not adios, but rather hasta luego.

Tricia, you have added energy and light and smarts and hard work and commitment and spirit to EcoViva and our partners. You have given so much to Ecoviva and we are the better for it. I know that
wherever you go, you will be a great contributor to community struggles for justice,equality, and the environment. With love and admiration,Jeff
All the best to you Tricia! Thanks for your wonderful work in El Salvador and in Oakland. I loved the CET that I spent with you; you were almost as terrific then as you are now. On to the next chapter in your life! Hasta Luego indeed!
Mary
Tricia,
I must say I am so sad I never got to meet you in person but enjoyed our correspondence and the one or two phone conversations we had. It was obvious to me that you were doing a wonderful job at the EcoViva office and equally contributed to our partners in El Salvador. How fun it was for me to see photos of you there with a couple of people I think I remember from my visits. Wilson was in my art class when I brought the delegation of Artists in 2008. It’s been way too long since I’ve visited our amigos there and I hope to go back next year. Sad I will not be going with you! Thank you for your inspiration and good luck in graduate school and in all your future endeavors.
Sher Davidson
Tricia — We too enjoyed the EcoViva Community Empowerment Tour that you shared with us. We look forward to hearing about your continued work for a just and equitable society. It’s our pleasure to make a contribution in your honor to the Youth Program in El Salvador. Be sure to let us know if you are ever passing through Chicago. Best wishes to you on your new journey.
Ted Wysocki & Lynne Cunningham